Career Outlook | Job Opportunities | Curriculum | Faculty | IAAP Tech Update
IAAP (International Association of Administrative Professionals) defines administrative professionals as "individuals who are responsible for administrative tasks and coordination of information in support of an office-related environment and who are dedicated to furthering their personal and professional growth in their chosen profession."
Administrative Office Technology (AOT) programs prepare workers for a variety of positions in today's dynamic office work environment. Students take a variety of courses to develop skills in computers, interpersonal relations, communication, and office systems and procedures.
The Administrative Office Technology program at Greenville Technical College covers all aspects of the office profession and incorporates hands-on, in-depth training with various software packages that will prepare students for careers such as administrative assistants, administrative support personnel, and executive assistants.
There are three degree choices: Administrative Office Technology, Administrative Office Technology-Medical (concentration in Medical Office), and Administrative Office Technology-Legal (concentration in Legal Office).
There are three certificates offered: Medical Clerical, Legal Clerical, and Physician Practice Specialist.
The AOT program offers three options:
Administrative Office Technology Associate Degrees
Administrative Office Technology-Medical (concentrating in Medical Office)
Medical Clerical Certificate
Physician Practice Specialist Certificate
Administrative Office Technology-Legal (concentration in Legal Office)
Legal Clerical Certificate
There is a wide range of skills needed for positions in the office and administrative support fields. Required skills vary, but the demand for various skills is driven by changes in technology and the global workplace.
General Office Assistants
Responsibilities include keyboarding, records management, preparing mailings, proofreading documents, performing financial clerical duties, and using the computer for a variety of tasks.
Receptionists and Information Workers
Excellent interpersonal skills are a must. Professionalism, helpfulness, and courtesy are critical. Responsibilities include answering the telephone, routing/screening calls, coordinating incoming/outgoing mail, handling appointments, managing records, greeting visitors, responding to inquiries, and providing information.
Legal/Medical Office Assistants
Highly specialized tasks are performed requiring knowledge of technical terminology and procedures related to the legal or medical field. Legal office assistants prepare correspondence and legal papers such as summonses, complaints, motions, responses, and subpoenas under the supervision of an attorney or a paralegal. Medical office assistants work with medical records, prepare correspondence, and assist physicians or other medical professionals with reports, presentations, articles, and conference proceedings. They also record simple medical histories, arrange for patients to be hospitalized, and order supplies.
Administrative Assistants/Executive Secretaries
These are the information and communication managers for an office. Administrative assistants plan and schedule meetings and appointments; organize and maintain paper and electronic files; manage projects; conduct research; manage e-mail; and disseminate information by using the telephone, mail services, computers and web sites, and manage e-mail. They also handle travel and guest arrangements. In addition, administrative assistants use computers to perform other tasks: create spreadsheets, compose correspondence, manage databases, create presentations, prepare reports, and produce documents using desktop publishing software and digital graphics. Some may have responsibilities related to the organization’s Web site.
For Office and Administrative Support Salary Guide Information, visit U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook - http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco1005.htm.
Professional Organizations
www.iaap-hq.org
The AOT Department supports and encourages students to join the Greenville Technical College chapter of IAAP. Officers and members are GTC students. IAAP is a non-profit, professional association with approximately 40,000 members and affiliates and nearly 600 chapters worldwide. IAAP works in partnership with employers to promote professional excellence. IAAP sets standards of excellence that are recognized by the business community on a global perspective.